COUNCIL GROVE YOUTH HUNT LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

From guides to cooks, helpers are needed for popular eventCOUNCIL GROVE — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ (KDWP) Council Grove Annual Spring Turkey Hunt for youth hunters is one of the most popular events of its kind in the state. However, it’s become a victim of its own success. While the annual event enhances opportunities for beginning turkey hunters, it’s gotten bigger with time, and volunteers are needed to host the event.

“We are trying to enhance coordination efforts by asking potential volunteers to assist so that we may improve our ability to plan and ensure that we have enough volunteers to meet participant demand,” says event coordinator Brent Konen, area manager for Council Grove and El Dorado wildlife areas and Chase State Fishing Lake. “Past participants have truly appreciated our efforts to provide these opportunities, and we’d hate to turn anyone away because we lack volunteers.”

This year’s youth hunt has been planned during the youth season on Saturday, April 2. Levels of volunteer assistance needed are wide-ranging, from guides responsible for escorting participants into the field and assisting with the hunt, to assistants responsible for helping with tasks during shotgun firing and meal preparation.

Guides should have property access plans in mind before the event. Consider access plans that account for inclement road and field conditions and the needs of young participants. A few ATVs will be available to assist with transportation but will not be available to all parties. Because some past participants have requested that family or friends accompany them on the hunt, volunteer guides should consider hunting locations that provide concealment for hunting parties of two to four. Pop-up blinds will be available.

This years’ event will provide participating hunters (age 11 through 16) with an opportunity to become involved not only in the hunt but also its preparation. The event will begin on Friday, April 1, at 4:30 p.m. at Council Grove Reservoir. A brief informational meeting and a meet-and-greet session for all volunteers and participants will be followed by a complimentary meal. After the meal, participants may pattern shotguns, then accompany guides to hunt locations to scout for the following morning’s hunt. At 5 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, the group will meet for breakfast, and the hunts will conclude at 11:30 a.m., when participants will enjoy a free lunch.

“I would ask anyone who can to please consider assisting in any way,” Konen asks. “Volunteers will be provided with a complete event agenda in late March.”